In this book, leading international relations experts and practitioners
examine through theory and case study the prospect for successful
multilateral management of the global economy and international security.
In the theory section contributors tackle the big questions: Why is
there an apparent rising tide of calls for reform of current multilateral
organizations and institutions? Why are there growing questions over
the effectiveness of global governance? Is the reform of current organizations
and institutions likely or possible? Case studies include the examination
of difficulties facing global development, the challenges facing the
IMF and the governance of global finance, the problems of the UN 2005
World Summit and its failed reform, and the WTO and the questions
raised by the prolonged Doha Development Round.

Co-published with the Centre for International Governance Innovation

Editor Alan S. Alexandroff is the director of research for
the Programme on Conflict Management and Negotiation at the Munk Centre
for International Studies at the University of Toronto.

Reviews

“The twenty-first century appears to hold little promise for multilateralism, as the
United States resists its constraints and dynamic powers such as
Brazil and India complain of its inequities. This array of
distinguished scholars argues powerfully and convincingly for a
reformed multilateralism that reflects both American and global
interests.”

— Miles Kahler, University of California, San Diego

“Answering in the affirmative the question posed by the title of
this useful and timely book—can the world be governed?—is the
single most important challenge facing the human race. In the
face of mega-threats like global warming and nuclear
proliferation, the world must not only be able to govern itself,
it must learn to do so effectively and soon. Alan Alexandroff has
assembled some of the most disciplined, knowledgeable, and
experienced minds to ponder both the problem and the solution.
They have provided just the right combination of hard-headed
analysis, bold vision, and pragmatic recommendations. A real
service to a vital cause.”

— Strobe Talbott, author of The Great Experiment

“Can the World Be Governed? provides a valuable, if often
quite basic, introduction to the issues confronting global
governance. Its well-known contributors address a broad array of
issues, from institutional creation to the relationship between
multi- and unilateralism and the impact of national government
structures on those of global governance.... The empirical
material provides clear illustrations of the complexities faced
by actors seeking to bring better order to the chaos of
international political action.... Certainly a useful first
reference for those looking to learn more about global
governance, today and tomorrow.”

— Laura Carsten, Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany, Millennium Journal of International Studies